Home › Michigan › Midland › Chippewa Nature Center
Chippewa Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,082 Google reviews · Running trail in Midland, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 19 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Chippewa Nature Center's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Educational center featuring a wide range of nature programming, plus 1,200 acres & many trails.
What runners say about Chippewa Nature Center
“The historic homestead and buildings are well maintained, the outhouses are clean and serviced daily, and the entire center is free to visit.”
“I’ve done multiple sessions here, and it’s beautiful year-round — especially in peak fall color and right after a fresh snowfall.”
“It’s always neat, peaceful, and a great setting for engagement sessions and wedding photography.”
“Very nice, easy walking with beautiful views!”
Absolutely beautiful trail and riverside forest. I wish I could have stayed longer but it started raining pretty hard and I wasn't dressed or prepared for it. Hope I can come back soon!
My son went to preschool here for two years and it was wonderful. The nature center itself is also such a great place to reconnect with the wild, and the one way glass viewing room to watch animals and birds at the feeders is so cool, and free!
Had the BEST hike with my daughter here over fall break. The trails are well-marked, with accurate maps available.. I let her pick the route and we headed out for a great adventure. Took some water and snacks, found a bench, watched birds.. there were a lot of people there, but we saw only a few on our hike.
I recently visited the River Trail, and it was a truly beautiful and pleasant experience. The trail offers plenty of spots to sit, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of nature, with the gentle river flowing alongside. It’s peaceful, scenic, and perfect for anyone looking to unwind. A must-visit for nature lovers!
Trail conditions & character
“I’ve done multiple sessions here, and it’s beautiful year-round — especially in peak fall color and right after a fresh snowfall.”
“It’s always neat, peaceful, and a great setting for engagement sessions and wedding photography.”
“They have handicap accessible trails for wheelchairs and strollers as well.”
Plan your run at Chippewa Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance19 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitechippewanaturecenter.org
- Phone+1 989-631-0830
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 12–5 pm |
Running trails near Midland
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Chippewassee Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 88 reviews
Sprawling, 35-acre park known for its grassy expanses, children's play area & picnic shelters.
The Tridge (Midland)
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,965 reviews
Unique 3-way bridge where 2 rivers meet, plus a dog park, playgrounds and hiking trails.
Midland Tridge Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
Emerson Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 454 reviews
Well-equipped park with a softball stadium & fields, an inline skating rink & beach volleyball.
Midland Rail Trail
5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews